All students who attend Monroe County Middle School will be expected to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance. Behavior patterns are affected by the clothing we wear, and when students are properly attired, they are more reserved in their behavior. Both our community and visitors to our school judge Monroe County Middle School by the appearance and deportment of our students. Our impressions upon others and the impressions of the entire school are influenced by what our students wear.   

Education covers a broad spectrum of tasks, and one objective of our schools is to assist students in preparing for life in the business and social worlds. Monroe County Middle School should help our students learn to dress in a manner the public finds appropriate.  A student shall not dress, wear or use emblems, insignias, badges or symbols which reasonably are likely to distract the attention of other students in the classroom, cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school or violate health and safety standards of the school. No clothing shall be worn which displays messages that are profane, vulgar, lewd, indecent or sexually suggestive, contains alcohol, tobacco or drug advertisements or advocates criminal activity. Final approval of any questionable dress and enforcement of this code is left to the discretion of the school administration. Any student who does not comply with these guidelines must be referred by school employees to the school administration. It is not the intent of this policy to create hardship or stress on any student or parent, but rather, to provide a reasonable standard of dress. Recognizing the fact that no dress code is perfect and there may be some who will not agree on all points, we ask your cooperation in adhering to the following Dress Code Policy.  

Pants/Slacks/Shorts/Skirts/Dresses  

• Jeans, shorts, or tailored pants  

• Skirts or dresses  

Shirts/Blouses/Sweaters/Sweatshirts/Tops  

• All shirts/blouses/tops must have finished edges and be appropriately sized, including waist and length.  

• Sweaters, fleece pullovers, and sweatshirts (sweatshirt – a loose collarless pullover made of heavy cotton jersey and have a fitted waistband) must not be oversized. A sweater or sweatshirt that hangs lower than the back pockets is considered oversized.  

Shoes  

• Appropriate shoes must be worn at all times.  (Bedroom and rollers/heelys are NOT considered appropriate shoes for school.) 

Requirements  

• All clothing must be appropriately sized, including waist and length. Belt loops must have a belt. Belts must be worn correctly with the entire belt in loops on pants. Pants with built-in belts are acceptable.  No underpants may be exposed. 

• Leggings are allowed, for designated PBIS athletic wear opportunities, as long as the shirt/top covers the entirety of the posterior.

• Logos are permitted within regulations.     

• Clothing including openings may not be any higher than 5” above the knee  

• The student’s hair should not distract from the learning process by appearance, statement, color, or style.  Hair should be neat and clean at all times. 

• Jeans/pants with holes or slits above the knee must have material underneath the openings, not to expose bare skin. Holes and slits should not measure more than 5 inches wide/long.

Not Permitted  

• Pajamas/Onesies

• Pants worn below the natural waist  

• Wind suits, sweat suits, jogging pants, or athletic shorts    

• Baggy, oversized clothing, wide legged pants/jeans, or shorts with leg diameter over 10”  

• Spandex, Lycra, or form fitting clothing  

• Sleeveless tops, dresses, tank tops, etc. (the ball of the shoulder should not be exposed) 

• Bib overalls   

• Snap-away or zip-away clothing  

• See-through clothing  

• Visible undergarments  

• Clothing worn inside out and jackets being tied/worn around the waist 

• Low-cut or revealing clothing  

• Tops that are too short to stay tucked in  

• Clothing and/or accessories (belts, purses, jewelry, scarves, etc.) with beer, alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug advertisements, vulgar writing, gang-related symbols, suggestive scenes, or clothing that displays individuals, bands, or groups, or that promotes aggression or violence (ex. Wrestling, skull/crossbones, or evil looking characters.) 

• Hats, hoods, head scarves, bandanas or other disruptive headgear unless approved by the administration  

• Non-jewelry items (ex. dog collar type chains, sports straps chains)  

• Sunglasses  

• Exposed tattoos  

• Body piercing jewelry except in ears and nose rings (studs only) 

• Mouth adornment (metal grills) 

• Logo or decorative areas on the zipper/front area of pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses  

• Anything the administration determines to be disruptive to the instructional process.  

• Hair highlights are allowed at a minimum; however, hair color must not distract from the learning environment. The School Administrator will have the authority to take action on any dyed hair that is deemed to be inappropriate or distracting.

Notes:  

• The measurements of shorts, skirts, dresses, etc., are taken with the student kneeling on the floor, and the length is measured from the floor to the hemline of the garment.  

• A student is not wearing pants at the natural waistline if the waistline of the pants or shorts is more than two inches below the navel. Pants that are two inches larger than the student’s natural waist size will be deemed as oversized. 

• Chains running from a belt loop to a wallet, watch, or other part of a student’s dress are considered non-jewelry.  “Dog collar” chains, sport strap chains, etc., are considered non-jewelry.

• Undergarments should be completely covered by outer attire.